Original Austrian Massive M1870 Rast & Gasser Patent 11.3mm Revolver by Leopold Gasser serial 193847 – c.1885 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Gasser M1870 was a revolver chambered for 11.3×36mmR and was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Cavalry in 1870. It was an open-frame model, with the barrel unit attached to the frame by a screw beneath the cylinder arbor. The arbor pin was screwed into the barrel unit and fitted into a recess in the standing breech. The cylinder was gate-loaded from the right side, and a rod ejector was carried beneath the barrel.

Replicas of these HUGE revolvers were very much favored in the Balkan State of MONTENEGRO in the late 19th century, which was under control of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the time. They were almost considered as men’s jewelry. This however is not one of the many made for that trade, but a real Austrian example manufactured my Leopold Gasser Waffenfabrik, with all the correct markings and proofs. With a very impressive 9 1/4″ long barrel, it is definitely an imposing weapon.

Our example is well marked on the left barrel trunion with the patent information and serial number:

PATENT
RAST & GASSER
WIEN

193847
GUSS STAHL

The serial number 193847 is also stamped onto the cylinder, the end of the ejector, and the frame below the cylinder, to the right of the Leopold Gasser trademark:

L. G.
(Arrow through Apple)
SCHUTZ MARKE

“Guss Stahl” translates to “cast steel”, indicating the method of manufacture, while the “Schutzmarke” is the trademark. There is also an Austrian double headed eagle on top of the barrel trunion, as well as CROWN / NI, for Nicholas I of Montenegro, who reigned 1860-1918 as first Prince and then King. There are various assembly numbers marked on the revolver as well, including 9 5 under the grips, inside the trigger guard, and on the inside of both grip scales.

The grips are lovely checkered hardwood, and still retain almost all of the original texture, with no cracks or chips that we can see. The M1870 Gasser design features a unique safety bar on the right of the frame, which drops into place to help with loading, preventing the hammer from moving forward. The bar then moves out of place when the gun is fully cocked with the hammer or used in double action with the trigger.

Overall the revolver is in very nice shape, with a nice aged finish, showing wear and some light rusting, now cleaned away. It functions well in both single and double action. The bore shows crisp lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish showing a few spots of oxidation.. The loading gate is present and functional, as is the ejector rod, held in place by a small turn screw.

Presents well, close to 150 years old, a Massive Austrian revolver from the late 19th century, ready to display!!!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: 11.3×36mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 15 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.